Remembrance Sunday was different this year – but Derbyshire has definitely not forgotten those affected by war

Remembrance Sunday had a very different feel this year.
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If we were living in normal times, thousands of people would have lined streets across the county to watch parades and pay tribute to those who have died for their country.

Many people would have attended acts of remembrance at war memorials, churches and other venues in towns and villages all over the area.

Five-year-old Kara Robinson raised hundreds of pounds for the Royal British Legion with a seven-mile walk.Five-year-old Kara Robinson raised hundreds of pounds for the Royal British Legion with a seven-mile walk.
Five-year-old Kara Robinson raised hundreds of pounds for the Royal British Legion with a seven-mile walk.
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Sadly, though, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 meant it was not possible to mark this incredibly important day in the same way we did 12 months ago and so many years before that.

But despite everyone’s minds currently being on Covid, Derbyshire certainly did not forget – and indeed never will forget – all the brave people who gave their lives for our freedom.

In line with Government advice, people stayed at home to observe two minutes of silence at 11am – while some socially-distanced, small events were allowed to take place in parts of Derbyshire.

Before Remembrance Sunday, the Royal British Legion (RBL) – which supports members of the British armed forces and their families – warned that it could lose millions of pounds in Poppy Appeal donations this year as many of its volunteers have been unable to get out and about to fundraise amid the pandemic.

The war memorial at Chesterfield's Eastwood Park. Picture submitted by Nick Rhodes.The war memorial at Chesterfield's Eastwood Park. Picture submitted by Nick Rhodes.
The war memorial at Chesterfield's Eastwood Park. Picture submitted by Nick Rhodes.
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But in recent days and weeks, wonderful Derbyshire people young and old have been coming to the aid of the RBL.

One of them is five-year-old Kara Robinson, who raised hundreds of pounds for the RBL on Remembrance Sunday when she walked seven miles around the beautiful Derbyshire countryside as part of the charity’s Poppy Run.

Kara’s mum Jessica, of Codnor, said: “Kara decided to take on this challenge in memory of her three great-grandads who all served in the military: one who was the youngest colour sergeant major to have served in the British Army, one who served in the Royal Navy, and one who served as a colour sergeant major in the Royal Marines.

“Kara chose to walk seven miles as this figure is the age of her and her younger sister, Willa, combined.

Ryan Rason, nine, has been busy selling poppies for the Royal British Legion.Ryan Rason, nine, has been busy selling poppies for the Royal British Legion.
Ryan Rason, nine, has been busy selling poppies for the Royal British Legion.
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“She had originally hoped to raise £50 – but she has already surpassed this target and has currently raised a fantastic £361.”

Jessica added: “I’m incredibly proud of Kara’s motives for doing this.

“She has shown real pride and understanding for what her great-grandads did for this country, together with kindness and compassion for others who have served and who may now need help in some way.

“She really wanted to do whatever she could to help and to say ‘thank you’ – and I’m so proud of her for being so thoughtful.”

Gary Barber sent us this picture of his grandchildren Isabella and Abigail and their horse Spirit selling poppies.Gary Barber sent us this picture of his grandchildren Isabella and Abigail and their horse Spirit selling poppies.
Gary Barber sent us this picture of his grandchildren Isabella and Abigail and their horse Spirit selling poppies.
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Kara’s online page for donations – https://bit.ly/3kdAC75 – is still open.

Meanwhile, nine-year-old Ryan Rason, of Chesterfield, has been busy selling scores of poppies, bringing in £50 for the RBL.

His mum Maria said: “As a family we are so proud of Ryan.

“He shows a great interest in helping others and learning about history.”

Gary Barber also contacted us to say his grandchildren Isabella and Abigail, along with their horse Spirit, took to Derbyshire streets on Remembrance Sunday to sell poppies.

“It was a lovely thing to do,” he said.

Ex-serviceman Richard Aspinall had the original idea to produce Eleventh Hour Gin for Derbyshire Distillery.Ex-serviceman Richard Aspinall had the original idea to produce Eleventh Hour Gin for Derbyshire Distillery.
Ex-serviceman Richard Aspinall had the original idea to produce Eleventh Hour Gin for Derbyshire Distillery.
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Generous businesses across Derbyshire have also been helping the RBL.

Derbyshire Distillery, which is based at Markham Vale near Bolsover, raised a remarkable £20,000 for the charity in just four weeks by selling its Eleventh Hour Gin.

Sales manager Richard Aspinall, who served in the British Army for five years and came up with the original idea to produce Eleventh Hour Gin, said: “The work of the RBL doesn’t stop on November 12 – the work goes on every day of every year, helping to support the lives of serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has either purchased or recommended our new gin.

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“Every penny you have helped raise really does count, especially this year when most of the RBL’s fundraising activities have been severely curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic.”

Eleventh Hour Gin – which is distilled with a unique range of ingredients including sour cherry, poppy seeds and lemon – can be bought on Derbyshire Distillery’s website.

The RBL has thanked everyone for their support during the current crisis.

In another sign of remembrance and respect, wonderful displays have been seen across Derbyshire.

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A fantastic tribute was created by staff and children of Hollingwood Primary School near Chesterfield.

Resident Dawn Holmes, who sent us a picture of the display, said: “It has really lifted community spirits during this second lockdown and has taught the children a valuable lesson.

“It lights up at night and looks beautiful.”

Meanwhile, artistic youngsters and care home residents in the Staveley area painted pebbles to remember the fallen in a community project organised by the town council.

Words on one of the pebbles poignantly read: “All gave some, some gave all. Lest we forget.”

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We come together every November to commemorate the servicemen and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

“In this time of adversity, no virus can stop us from honouring their memory, particularly when we have just celebrated the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War.

“And in times of trial, our tributes matter even more.”

In these dark times, the people of Derbyshire can be very proud of how they remembered all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.